Crawford Weighs Options Post-Madrimov Victory
Terence Crawford, fresh off his victory against Israil Madrimov, is navigating the possibilities at super welterweight. This win marks Crawford’s ascension as a four-weight world boxing champion, but the path forward remains uncertain. The idea of a super fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez looms large, yet it’s not the only avenue being considered by Crawford and his team.
Alalshikh’s Bold Offer: Will Canelo Bite?
The buzz around a Crawford-Canelo showdown gained momentum with Turki Alalshikh’s ringside presence in Los Angeles. The Riyadh Season boss, known for orchestrating major sporting events, announced he had extended an offer to Canelo for a fight with Crawford. “If he’s smart, he’ll accept,” Alalshikh proclaimed, addressing the electrified 22,000-strong crowd at BMO Stadium.
Crawford’s Historic Night in LA
Crawford’s victory over Madrimov, while not as sensational as his triumph against Errol Spence Jr., was a significant milestone. This fight, part of the inaugural Riyadh Season card in the US, solidified Crawford’s place in boxing history. However, the performance raised questions about his readiness to dominate at this higher weight class.
Bomac’s Strategy: Keeping Options Open
Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre, Crawford’s coach, hinted at potential matchups beyond the much-anticipated clash with Canelo. Speaking to reporters backstage, Bomac emphasized their willingness to consider other big names in the division. “If they want it, they can get it,” he stated, suggesting fights with Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora as possible next steps.
The Money Factor: Crawford’s Take
Crawford himself remained pragmatic about the prospect of facing Canelo. “Well, if the money’s right, we’ve got a fight,” he remarked. Acknowledging Canelo’s upcoming bout, Crawford expressed a desire to savor his recent victory and spend time with his family before making any decisions.
Canelo’s Upcoming Challenge
Canelo Alvarez is set to return to the ring on September 14, facing Edgar Berlanga in a super middleweight title fight. This match will likely keep him from immediately engaging in talks about a bout with Crawford, leaving the latter’s next move shrouded in mystery.
Ortiz in the Picture: A New Contender Emerges
Should Canelo decline Alalshikh’s proposal, Vergil Ortiz could emerge as Crawford’s next opponent. Ortiz, who is gearing up to fight Serhii Bohachuk in a WBC interim super welterweight title fight, has shown interest in challenging Crawford. His coach, Robert Garcia, voiced doubts about Crawford’s performance against Madrimov, suggesting that a fight with Ortiz might be a better fit.
Garcia’s Critique: Crawford’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Robert Garcia, speaking candidly, critiqued Crawford’s recent bout. “I think Crawford’s performance wasn’t good enough for people to expect him to do good against Canelo,” Garcia commented. This assessment adds another layer of intrigue to the potential Crawford vs. Ortiz matchup.
The Saudi Connection: Alalshikh’s Influence
Turki Alalshikh’s role in orchestrating major fights cannot be underestimated. His interest in Crawford-Canelo, and potentially Crawford-Ortiz, underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the boxing world. Alalshikh’s involvement ensures that any future fights involving Crawford will garner significant attention and financial backing.
Crawford’s Future: What Lies Ahead?
As Terence Crawford contemplates his next move, the boxing world watches with bated breath. Will he secure a mega-fight with Canelo, or will he face another formidable contender in the super welterweight division? With multiple paths ahead, Crawford’s decisions in the coming months will shape the future of his illustrious career.
